Alps & Tyrol 2026: The Adventure Begins – Day 1
Alps & Tyrol 26 - Day 1 – 416km
Another European motorcycle adventure is underway!
This time, we’re heading towards the Alps and Tyrol, with a great group of six riders taking on the roads of France, Belgium and beyond to Austria and Italy. There are two familiar faces joining me again, along with four new riders, so it’s going to be interesting to see how the group develops over the week.
The bikes are packed, the route is ready and there are plenty of kilometres, mountain roads and European scenery waiting for us.
Crossing the Channel on Le Shuttle
Our Alps and Tyrol motorcycle tour got off to a busy start at Le Shuttle.
There were plenty of families heading over to mainland Europe, which meant lots of queues and a little patience required before we finally boarded. It took just under an hour to get onto the train, but once we were on board, things became much more relaxed.
We even managed to get a carriage to ourselves, giving us a chance to settle in, have a chat and get ready for the first day's riding.
Before long, we were back on the bikes at Coquelles and heading towards Lille.
Riding Through France and Belgium
From Coquelles, it was a straightforward run towards Lille, before crossing the border into Belgium.
The route soon settled into the kind of European riding that makes these trips so enjoyable — smaller roads, interesting towns and plenty of opportunities to stop along the way.
We made our first proper food stop outside Dinant, famous for its spectacular setting on the River Meuse and as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone.
After the obligatory chip stop, we continued on to Givet, where we stopped for coffee beside the river.
It was still early in the trip, but already the feeling of being away on a proper motorcycle adventure was kicking in.
From Dinant to the Luxembourg Border
Leaving Givet behind, we continued through the Belgian countryside towards the Luxembourg border.
One of the day's interesting landmarks was the Redu satellite array, associated with the European Space Agency. It's one of those unexpected sights you encounter when travelling through Europe by motorcycle — a reminder that the best motorcycle routes aren't always just about the bends.
Eventually, we arrived at Arlon, close to the Luxembourg border, where we would spend the evening.
After 416km of riding, it was time to park the bikes, relax and enjoy the evening before another day on the road.
A Great Group of Motorcycle Riders
One of the best things about leading motorcycle tours is seeing a group come together.
I've got a great group of capable riders this week. It's a really diverse bunch, with different backgrounds and riding experiences, but everyone is already gelling well.
That's always important on a multi-day European motorcycle tour. Spending several days together on the road means the group dynamic can make a huge difference — and after just one day, things are looking very positive.
We've got the first 416km under our belts, France and Belgium have provided the opening miles, and the Alps and Tyrol are still ahead of us.
Day 1 complete. Let the adventure continue!
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